How to Take the Tibet Train to Lhasa: An Updated Guide in 2025/2026

When planning your Tibet train tour, the first question that probably comes to your mind is, “How can I take the Tibet train to Lhasa?” To be specific, what should you prepare before departure? How do you board the train? And what can you expect on the train?

Rest assured, this guide is dedicated to answering all these questions. We’ll walk you through every step of preparing for and experiencing this unforgettable Tibet train journey, from booking your ticket and getting onboard to arriving in Lhasa and adjusting to the high altitude. Read on to learn about all the details.

Step 1: Book Tibet Train Ticket and Get Tibet Travel Permit

(1) Obtain the Required Tibet Travel Permit

There are several documents you will need for your trip to Tibet by train. In addition to your passport, you must also have a Chinese visa, which you can get from the Chinese Embassy in your home country or a third country before you travel.

Among all the required documents, the most important one is the Tibet Travel Permit, also known as the “Tibet Visa”. Without it, you will not be allowed to board the train to Tibet. However, this permit can only be arranged through a licensed Tibet travel agency, and any individual application is not allowed.

Usually, the application procedure takes 7-14 business days, and it takes a further 3-5 days to deliver this permit to your hotel or other address in mainland China after it is issued. Therefore, it is recommended to contact us at least 20 days in advance to arrange for the permit.

In addition, after arriving in Tibet by train, you will also need other permits to visit places such as Mount Kailash and Mount Everest. While it seems very complicated to get these permits, there’s no need to worry too much. If you join our Tibet train tour, we will take care of all the application procedures, ensuring you a hassle-free journey!

(2) Book Your Tibet Train Ticket

Known for its scenic routes, Tibet train tickets are always in high demand. Therefore, it is important to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak travel season. Generally speaking, there are three ways to get your Tibet train tickets: booking online, buying in person, and booking through a travel agency.

For online booking, you can use the official railway website (www.12306.cn) or its app. Tickets will be available 15 days before the departure date. This website also has an English version, and you can use your passport to register an account and buy the tickets you want.

Alternatively, you can buy a ticket at the ticket window at your departure station. This is a viable option only if you can arrive early in your departure city. Otherwise, the tickets may already be sold out.

For foreign travelers who are not familiar with the Chinese railway system, booking tickets online or in person can be a bit complicated. The best way to get your tickets is to find a reliable travel agency to arrange them for you. Here at Chinatibettrain, we guarantee every client a soft sleeper berth, ensuring you have a comfortable and private journey.

(3) Pack for the Tibet Train Journey

As the temperature on the Tibet train can drop sharply, even in summer, the first essentials for your journey are warm layers. T-shirts, thermal shirts, light sweaters, and a down jacket are recommended, and you can add or remove clothing based on the actual temperature.

When the Tibet train passes through high-altitude areas, some travelers may experience mild discomfort. Thus, it’s important to bring some basic medications. The most commonly used medicines for altitude sickness prevention and treatment are acetazolamide (Diamox) and Rhodiola rosea supplements. Other basic items, such as medicine for fever and painkillers, are also useful.

To stay fresh and comfortable throughout the journey, it’s a good idea to pack some hygiene items and personal toiletries. Essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small towel, soap, toilet paper, and wet wipes are helpful when a shower is not available.

Finally, you can bring your own food and drinks if the Chinese-style and Tibetan-style dishes from the dining car are not to your liking. Additionally, since the train journey takes at least 20 hours, you can download your favorite books, movies, podcasts, or music playlists onto your electronic device to pass the time.

Step 2: Board the Tibet Train

(1) Arrive Early at the Train Station

As the Tibet trains are often fully booked, passengers need to wait in long lines to board the train. Additionally, you will need to pass through security and find your waiting room before boarding, which takes some time. Therefore, it is advisable to get to the station early, allowing enough time to complete these procedures.

(2) Pass Through the Security Check

When you arrive at the train station, your valid ID (passport) and train tickets will be checked first. Always keep your ticket, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit on hand for checks. Then, all your luggage and personal belongings will go through a security scanner to ensure that no dangerous or prohibited items are carried on the train.

(3) Find the Waiting Room

After the security check, you can go to the waiting area for your train. Different trains have designated waiting areas, and you can check the large LED board in the station hall to find yours. The board will display train information, such as train number, departure and arrival times, and waiting room number.

(4) Enter the Platform and Board the Train

About 20 minutes before the train departs, the station staff will start checking your train tickets. After that, you need to walk for several minutes to the platform. To find your specific train car, just check the train number and carriage number listed on your ticket. Of course, if you have any difficulty finding your seat or berth, you can turn to the train staff for help.

Step 3: Enjoy your Stay on the Tibet Train

(1) Store Your Luggage in the Right Place

For passengers with different classes of train tickets, you have different places to store your luggage. In soft sleeper carriages, the gap under each lower berth and the overhead rack above the upper berth are available for storing small suitcases and backpacks.

In hard sleeper carriages, there is a narrower gap under the lower berth compared to soft sleeper carriages. In addition, for larger luggage, you can put it on the long, open rack above the aisle. In hard seat carriages, the overhead rack above the seats is suitable for medium-sized backpacks or suitcases. There is also space for large luggage at the ends of the carriage.

(2) Make Use of the On-Board Facilities

To deal with the high altitude, every Tibet train is equipped with two oxygen supply systems. The dispersion oxygen system will start operating automatically when the train arrives at Golmud Station (2,800 meters). This is the main oxygen supply system to ensure a proper level of oxygen in each carriage.

Those who experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness should use the private oxygen outlets. These outlets can be found either on the wall near your berth or under your seat. Simply ask the train staff for an oxygen tube and connect it to the outlet. Then you can breathe normally and gradually feel better.

During the Tibet train journey, which takes at least 20 hours, you must have something to eat. Don’t worry, the train has a dining car in the middle, offering Chinese-style and Tibetan-style meals. The food trolley is a more convenient option, allowing you to buy boxed meals, snacks, and drinks without leaving your seat or berth.

In each carriage, there is a toilet and washing area. The Tibet train is equipped with both Chinese-style squat toilets and Western-style seat toilets, which are clean and well-sanitized. Outside the toilet, there are three washing basins with running water at room temperature, along with a liquid soap dispenser.

(3) Enjoy the Scenic Views Along the Way

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is famous for its incredible scenic views. As the train heads into the Tibetan Plateau, you’ll be treated to various breathtaking views — from snow-capped mountains to vast plains dotted with yaks and nomadic villages. As the dining car has wide windows, it’s a great idea to sit there and enjoy a nice meal while capturing the stunning landscapes outside your window.

Step 4: Arrive in Lhasa Finally

(1) Get to Downtown Lhasa From the Railway Station

The distance is around 8-10 km, and there are two ways to get to downtown Lhasa from the railway station. The first option is taking bus No. 1 or No. 14, which costs only 1 CNY and takes about 40 minutes. Taking a taxi is a more convenient choice. You can arrive downtown within 20 minutes, and the fare is more than 20 CNY.

If you join our Tibet tour, there’s no need to worry about how to get to downtown Lhasa from the train station. Once you arrive in Lhasa, one of our local Tibetan tour guides will meet you when you get off the train and take you to your hotel.

(2) Get Used to the Altitude

Lhasa is located at an elevation of 3,650 meters, which is much higher than most places in the world. After a long train ride, it’s important to take it easy upon arrival. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities for the first few hours. Acclimatizing slowly to the high altitude will help you enjoy your time in Lhasa without discomfort.

Conclusion

Taking the Tibet train is the first chapter of your Tibetan adventure. The train journey offers unique landscapes, a chance to acclimatize to the altitude, and an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you've left the Plateau.

We hope that this guide can give you a clear understanding of how to take the Tibet train to Lhasa. If you have any further questions not covered here, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help at any time!